Title: Innocence Lost

Author: Kay De'Vil

Fandom: Polterigest: The Legacy

Rating: PG-13 (Like by now you didn't see that coming)

Warnings: Strong language and Violence

Disclaimer: Standard disclaimer applies.

By Kay De'Vil.

Seated in the lounge, Alex Morueo glanced across at Nick Boyle, her friend and protector, for the forth time in 20 minutes.  Her friend had been unusually quiet all day and now she was becoming concerned.  "Nick is anything wrong?" she questioned cautiously.  He glanced up at her from the book he was reading, a confused expression upon his face "No, why?"
"You've been very quiet today", she commented.  He smiled at her "Meaning why haven't I put my foot in it today?" she smiled back replying.  "Well....  yes".  As she spoke, Derek Rayne the Precept of the San Francisco Legacy house entered.  "Yes, what?" he questioned.  Both Alex and Nick burst out laughing, causing Derek to look at them confused.  "What?" he again questioned.  "Oh nothing Derek" replied Alex grinning at Nick.  For a moment Derek stood looking at them in silence, then sighed  "We have an incident Sloan wants us to  investigate" he stated as he sat down, still looking at them confused.  "What kind of incident?" questioned Nick as he set aside his book and sat forward in his chair.  Derek glanced up at Rachel who was just joining them.  In her hand she held a printout of the data Sloan had sent them.  Sitting she handed the printout to Derek, but began the briefing herself.  "Sloan was contacted by a former Legacy member, whose granddaughter is apparently being tormented by something.  He's not really sure what's responsible, but he is sure it poses a serious risk to the child"

"Tony Koontz, is a former member of the New York house" stated Derek; taking over the briefing "He retired 10 year's ago due to ill health"   

"Why isn't the New York house handling this?" questioned Alex.  "Tony moved to San Francisco, shortly after his daughter and son- in-law were killed in a car accident......... his granddaughter was seriously injured in the accident" explained Derek solemnly "How old is she?" Nick questioned.  Rachel glanced at him for a moment then replied "She's 9"   "How long ago was the accident ?" questioned Alex.  "3 years ago....... but there have been no signs of trauma induced psyche" added Derek; understanding where Alex had been going with the question "Nothing  unusual at all, until last week...... that is" he continued  "Anything happen that might have triggered this ?" questioned Nick.  Derek sighed and shook his head "Nothing that we know of at present".

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Derek glanced across at Rachel, then at Nick.  As they pulled of the main highway onto a private road, they saw a bungalow in the distance.  From the outside everything appeared quiet enough.  It was set back in a forest; up in the California mountains, the entire area was filled with picturesque scenes.

As they pulled into the drive the first thing Nick noticed was a wheelchair ramp, leading to the front door.  He found himself wondering which of the bungalow's residents was in the wheelchair, Tony or his granddaughter.  "Nice place" commented Rachel as they got out of the car and approached the front door.

Nick stood behind Derek and Rachel as they waited for someone to answer the door.  He gazed at the picturesque scenery, and felt very relaxed.  His attention was drawn back to the purpose of their visit, when the door opened.  Before them stood a stout man in his mid sixties "Yes ?" questioned the man suspiciously.  "Mr Koontz, my names Derek Rayne,........... William Sloan sent us".  As Derek spoke a smile spread across the man's face and he shook Derek's hand saying  "You must be Winston's boy,....... he spoke of you often.  Please come in".  They entered the house and followed Koontz through to the lounge "Please, sit down. Can I get you  anything,...... tea, coffee ?"
"Coffee, thank you" replied Derek, the others nodded agreement, then Koontz headed through to the kitchen.  "Seems quiet enough" commented Rachel as she and Derek sat down.  Nick opted to stand near the window "Could just be the calm before the storm" he commented absently as he gazed out the window.

When Koontz returned, he placed a tray of coffee, cups and biscuits on the table.   "Help yourselves" he instructed as he too was seated.  "So your Winston's son,........ you look like him, you know"
"So I have been told" replied Derek politely "Mr Koontz, may I introduce my associates, Dr Rachel Corrigan" as Derek spoke Rachel shook hands with Koontz.  "Doctor, a pleasure to meet you"
"Call me Rachel"
"All right Rachel, then please call me Tony".  Koontz smiled at her as Derek continued the introductions "And Nick Boyle".  Nick nodded as he finally turned his attention to the group.  "Your not any relation to Jonathan Boyle are you son?" questioned Tony.  Nick just nodded, deciding to return to gazing out the window, than elaborate any farther.  "Nick is Jonathan's son" explained Derek smiling.

"Granddad" a young girl's voice echoed through the bungalow, drawing everyone's attention to the lounge door.  Moments later the barer of the voice appeared.  Tony was about to get up and push her into the room, but stopped when he saw Nick quickly moving to help her.  "Christi, we have guests" stated Tony adding  "They are here to help".  She looked at Rachel and Derek suspiciously, but both noticed the smile she gave Nick as he moved back to the window, neither missed the fact that he returned the smile wholeheartedly.  "Thanks" she said again smiling.  He gave her a wink as he leaned back against the wall.

Tony took hold of his granddaughter's hand, as he began the introductions.   "Christi, say hello to Derek Rayne.  Dr Rachel Corrigan and Nick Boyle".  The girl smiled.  "Hello Mr Rayne, pleased to meet you", she shook Derek's hand.  As she did Derek was suddenly struck by a vision.
 

'Christi, laid upon her bed,...... strange  shadows encircling her, grabbing her, trying to pull her apart.............. A scream of  pain, followed by ascream of terror........... Nick covered in blood, his hand reaching  out from the dark abyss'.

He released her hand, trying desperately to remain composed, "Please call me Derek" he stated, seeing the questioning look in her vivid blue eyes.  Again she smiled, continuing to greet the others.  Derek watched her closely as she greeted Rachel and Nick, he noticed a strange glimmer appear in her eyes, as she looked at the ex-SEAL.

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After 2 hours the Legacy members left the Koontz bungalow and drove back to San Francisco.  "Well Nick, you certainly have a way with the ladies" commented Rachel grinning.  "Huh, what ?" questioned Nick confused, having been starring out the side window, deep in thought.  "Christi certainly took a shine to you" agreed Derek also grinning.  Nick however sighed saying "Poor kids been through hell".  Both nodded in agreement, their grins quickly vanishing, as they reflected on the girl's life so far.  "So  what's the plan ?" questioned Rachel, changing the subject to the task at hand. "As we don't know what is behind these attacks upon Christy, I think one of  us should remain with her, at the house,... I've all ready cleared it with  Tony" stated Derek as he glanced at Rachel, both knowing full well who would volunteer to stay.  "I'll stay with Christi" stated Nick from the back seat, as if on cue.  Derek smiled "OK, just keep us informed of what happens.  Meanwhile the rest of us  will try and find the source and hopefully a cure for this activity", he stated.

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When they arrived back at the house,  Nick immediately headed up to his room to pack a bag.  Meanwhile, Derek and Rachel headed to the control room; where Alex and Philip where working upon some ancient manuscripts.  "How are the manuscripts coming ?" questioned Derek as he joined the two researchers.  Alex sighed as she glanced up at the precept of the house.  "Slow,... but I think we're finally  on the right track" she replied.  "What about the Koontz case, how's it going?"      "Another young heart swoons over a certain ex-SEAL" commented Rachel as she poured herself a coffee.  Alex and Philip looked at each other confused.  "Excuse  me ?" questioned Alex.  "Mr Koontz's granddaughter has a crush on Nick" explained Derek grinning.  Philip smiled questioning "How old is she?"
"Nine!" replied Nick from the doorway, "And she does NOT have a crush on  me!........... she's just a kid" he added as he joined them.  Rachel and Alex exchanged grins, over coffee mugs.  "That's like saying Kat has a crush on Philip or  Derek!" exclaimed Nick.  Immediately both females burst out laughing causing the males to look at them confused.  "No offence Philip, Derek" stated Alex between fits of laughter "But Kat doesn't have a crush on either of you".  Both men breathed a sigh of relief at Alex's statement.  "She... also has a crush on Nick" stated Rachel, laughing hysterically at the expression on Nick's face.  At this revelation both Philip and Derek joined in the laughter.  "She DOES NOT!" stated Nick angrily as he grabbed his duffel bag from the floor. Turning to leave he stated "I'm outta here".  Even after he had left the control room and was half way to the main door, he could still hear their fits of laughter.  Sighing he shouldered the duffel bag mumbling "They're to  young for crushes", with that he pulled open the main door and slammed it closed behind him.

In the control room, they heard the door slam closed.  "Poor Nick" commented Alex, wiping away a tear of laughter, as they tried to get a grip on themselves.  Derek nodded, remembering several occasions he had been the object of his female students desires.  "I just hope he knows what's in store for him" stated Derek, with a slight shiver.  Up to this point, Rachel had been starting to get control of her laughter, but at Derek's statement, she again began to laugh saying "I don't think he's got a clue".  Again the four Legacy members began to laugh, unable to contain themselves any longer.

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Nick drove his Mustang, up the highway towards the Koontz residence, as he did, he found himself reflecting upon what Rachel and Alex had said.  'It's impossible, Kat's like a little sister, there is simply no way she looks at me like that.... she's only 12 for Gods sake!'.  He sighed heavily trying to keep his mind on the road 'Oh God, what if she does!' he thought 'How will I handle it, can I handle it! NO IT'S NOT TRUE!'.  He gripped the steering wheel and turned up the road that lead to Tony Koontz's bungalow.

As he pulled up outside the house, he saw Tony down in the paddock exercising one of the horses.  Leaving his bag in the car.  Nick headed down to greet him "Hi Tony,  guess you've  got a visitor for a couple of days".  Stood leaning against the fence, Nick watched as Tony put the horse through its paces.  Tony looked at him and smiled "You like horses?" he questioned as the horse walked around him.  "All except the mucking out part" replied Nick grinning, Tony laughed stating "Horses are very good judges of character they're sensitive animals"    

"What's his name?" enquired Nick as he climbed up onto the fence and sat watching.  Tony uttered a command and the horse began to trot "This is Titan, the  grey mare over there is Shadow, and her foal is Warrior" as he spoke Tony pointed into the adjacent paddock.  Nick looked at the horses, and noticed a third one in the paddock "What's the other one's name?" he questioned.  When Tony didn't answer, he looked back at him and saw him sigh.  Concerned he jumped down from the fence and went over to stand next to Tony "What's wrong?"
"That's Benny, he used to be Christi's horse, before the accident" replied Tony solemnly.  Nick sighed "I'm sorry" he said cursing his own stupidity "I shouldn't have pried".  Tony gently touched Nick's arm saying "It's OK, you weren't to know,come on, help me get Titan back to the stables and rubbed  down".  Nick nodded, walking with Tony to the stables.

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"Anything?" questioned Derek as he entered the control room.  Alex glanced up at him and sighed "Nothing yet".
"Has Nick called in yet?" questioned Rachel from her seat at Alex's side.  "Not yet" replied Derek as he walked over to Philip who was still studying the manuscripts "How are you doing Philip?"
"This is fantastic!" exclaimed Philip excited as he continued to scribble down his notes "This manuscript dates from 2000BC.  It tells the story of a unholy spirit that rampaged throughout the land, tormenting souls."  He added, quickly glancing at Derek before once again looking at the manuscript.  Derek smiled, Philip was like a child with a new toy, he didn't want to stop playing with.  "How much longer before you have translated the whole manuscript?" questioned Derek, wanting to put the entire team on the Koontz case.  Philip looked at him with understanding, and replied "At least another  seven or  eight hours I'm afraid".  Derek just nodded and left Philip to his work.

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Nick sat back from the dinner table and sighed with contentment "That was great, my compliments to the chef", he smiled at Christi as he spoke, who smiled back.   "I'm glad you enjoyed it" she stated "You got any room left for dessert?" she questioned, he smiled at her mischievously, questioning "What is it?"
"Banana, toffee pie and cream" she replied laughing at the expression upon Nick's face.  "Oh, I think I can make room" he replied also laughing.  As Tony began to clear away the dinner plates, the room was suddenly filled by a loud screeching sound.  As the volume increased the dishes suddenly flew from Tony's hands, smashing into the walls behind Christi.

Nick could see the fear in Christi's eyes, as the dishes smashed behind her.  He literally vaulted over the table, protecting her from the flying cutlery with his own body.  He groaned as he felt something heavy strike his back, but staid where he was, protecting Christi.  As suddenly as it had begun, the screeching stopped, as did the flying cutlery.  Slowly Nick stood up, leaning against the table as he waited for the pain in his back to subside.  "You all right?" he questioned looking at Christi, she nodded and looked at her granddad "I'm all right" replied Tony, as he joined them, and hugged Christi.  "Are you all right Nick? that paper weight hit you pretty hard" commented Tony concerned as he looked up at Nick, who simply nodded saying "Yeah, I'm fine".

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On Angel Island, Derek sat in his office, his thoughts consumed by the vision he had had earlier that day.  Sighing he tried to focus his mind, trying to understand what he had seen.... Again the terrified screams he had heard filled his mind, the sound resonated within his mind, chilling him to the bone.  Jarred from his thoughts he suddenly realised that the phone was ringing, immediately he reached out, picking up the receiver. On the other end he heard a familiar voice  "Derek?"
"Yes Nick, I'm here... how are things going?".  There was a long period of silence, which was followed by a heavy sigh, and immediately Derek knew that something had happened  "What is it Nick...what's happened?"
"Christi was attacked again" stated Nick.  "My God, is she all right?", questioned Derek anxiously.... His vision once again returning to haunt him.  "Yeah, a  it shook up but otherwise OK" replied Nick once again sighing.  Derek suddenly noticed how tired his friend sounded and questioned concerned "Are you all  right Nick?"
"Yeah... I'm fine"
"Nick something's wrong I can hear it in your voice... what is it?" demanded Derek.  Again there was a long period of silence then finally Nick answered "Derek,  what ever this thing is...it's something I've never encountered before, the level of violence and hatred towards  Christi is immeasurable...I don't think this thing will give up until Christi is dead".  Derek could hear the pain in Nick's voice, and understood how this revelation must be effecting his young colleague.  "Nick, stay with Christi.... we're coming up there".  Derek was about to put the phone down when he heard Nick say something that surprised him.  "Thanks  Derek".  The Precept of the house put down the receiver and sat in silence, contemplating what he had just been told.  As he sat there he was suddenly struck by a vision.

'Nicks hands covered with blood reaching out into the darkness,... tears running  down the young mans face, pain and anxiety ageing his  features.  Christi, screaming  Nicks name, as a dark shadow fell upon them both.... in the background the sounds  of the wind, intertwined with an evil laugh'.

Stunned by the vividness of his vision, Derek sat shaking, unable to control the fear still coursing through his body.'

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Tony sat in the lounge, looking across the room, staring aimlessly out the window.  As Nick entered, Tony looked up at him "What did Derek say?" he questioned sitting forward in his chair.  Nick stood before the window, his shoulders hung low "He's  coming out here.... He bringing the others."  Finally Nick turned to look at Tony, his eyes filled with sorrow "This is something I've never experienced before...  I'm sorry Tony, I feel so useless right now" he stated, his voice laced with both anger and sorrow.  The older man stood up and went over to his side, gently placing a reassuring hand upon Nick's shoulder  "Nick...you have nothing to be sorry for.  I was in the Legacy for 20 years and I never came across anything like this".  The young mans shoulder sagged under Tony's hand, "Nick, you  saved Christi today, if you hadn't been here she would surely be dead  now...  so please don't blame yourself for something you could do nothing to stop."
 "I just wish there was more I could do, I hate this!" exclaimed Nick, slamming his fist against the window frame.  The older man stood at his side in silence for a moment then questioned "Feel better now?".  Unable to stop himself Nick smiled at Tony.

In her bedroom Christi lay fast asleep, but it was not a peaceful rest, she tossed and turned endlessly.  Trapped within the realms of a nightmare... one so terrifying that she struggled to wake herself.

'The wind swirled around her, forcing her towards the dark abyss, she tried to resist but the force was too great and she felt herself being propelled forward.  She screamed, but there was no sound........ only the constant howling of the wind as it pushed her ever forward.  As she drew closer, she could hear something else intertwined with the wind... laughter. Cure, hideous laughter blended with the howling wind to create a blood  curdling noise she had never heard before, and never wanted to hear again.  On the edge of the abyss she found her eyes drawn towards it, unable to look away, she peered into the darkness, her heart pounding within her chest.  Only darkness greeted her, the wind still trying to force her to enter... again she resisted to no avail.  She let out one final screen before the wind thrust her forward into the darkness of the abyss.'

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As the other Legacy members pulled up into the driveway, they where met by Nick.  He sighed as he approached them, commenting "You made  good time!"  Derek studied his young friend closely "You look tired Nick" he commented, the younger man just shrugged and turned to greet the others "Hi Rachel... Alex, Philip.  Guess this  isn't such a piece of cake after all".  Rachel hugged him for a moment then studied his tired face "How is she?" she questioned, seeing the sadness in Nick's eyes.   "She's asleep at the moment.  God Rachel you should have seen it... what  ever this thing is, it...." he broke off unable to voice his fears for the young girl's life.  Philip approached his young friend placing a reassuring hand upon his shoulder. "We'll do everything within our power to help her Nick," he stated, then with a slight grin he added "And we have quiet a large spectrum of power"
"Yeah well, I just hope, he's gonna help this time" the last words where spoken with anger and frustration.

Despite all that Nick and the Legacy team had encountered over the years, Nick still found it difficult to believe in a God that allowed so much evil to exist.  Changing the subject before Nick and Philip could begin a religious debate, Derek questioned "Where's Tony?"
"He went to wake Christi, come in inside... you'll have to excuse the mess, we haven't had a chance to get it all cleared away" replied Nick as he lead them into the bungalow.

Entering Christi's room, Tony stood in the doorway watching his sleeping granddaughter.  As he did her face suddenly creased with fear and he moved to her bedside, calling her name gently  "Christi, Derek and the others are here... Christi?"  When she didn't wake he gently touched her shoulder, shaking her slightly "Come on  honey, they wanna see you" but still the girl didn't wake, and his anxiety began to grow.  "Christi, wake up!" he exclaimed shaking her harder.  Unable to rouse her, he ran from the room "NICK!" he shouted as he entered the lounge, all eyes turned on him, but he ignored the others heading for Nick, fear reflecting within his eyes "I  can't wake her... I can't wake Christi!" he exclaimed.  Immediately Nick ran from the room, his team-mates close behind. He ran into Christi's room.  He saw her laid upon the bed, and went to her side  "Christi?" at first he called to her gently, but when she didn't respond he almost shouted at her "Christi,  wake up!"  Concerned he glanced at Rachel, pleading for her to help him.  Rachel joined him at the bedside and quickly examined the young girl "She's unconscious" she stated looking directly at Derek, "Nick are you sure she  wasn't hit during the attack?"
"I'm sure Rachel, nothing got near her" stated Nick defensively as he sat holding the girls hand, gently squeezing it.  Derek moved to stand at Rachel's side while Philip stood with Tony "This is probably a result of the attack" stated Derek.   "I said nothing got near her!" stated Nick angrily, as he stood glaring at the Precept.  Derek looking into Nick's eyes for a moment then said in a gentle, calming tone "I believe you Nick, what I meant was that this was a result of the entities presence".  Nick continued to glare at Derek for another moment, then returned to his position at Christi's side, once again taking hold of her hand, but in a low voice he questioned "Will she be all right?"   Rachel looked at the others for a moment, then answered "To be honest Nick, I don't know... she could wake up of her own accord at any moment, or..." she broke off, sighing heavily "She could laps into a comma and possible die".  At this Nick looked at her shocked, fear in his eyes.  It was clear to all the despite the short period of time that Nick had known the young girl, he had obviously become very close to her "Isn't there anything we can do?" he questioned, looking down at Christi.  Rachel sighed, resting her hand on her friend's shoulder   "I'll do everything I can Nick, I promise".  As Derek had stood looking at the young girl he reached a decision "Tony, I want to  move Christi to Angel Island... we have the facilities to take care of her there.  We also have the equipment to assess this entity should it return".  The old man just looked from his granddaughter to the Precept, then back again "Anything, just don't let her die... please Derek I couldn't stand to lose her, she's all I have left".  Derek nodded and left the small, crowded room.

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Kat stood with her mother watching as the Legacy helicopter landed in the garden. She looked up at her mother as Nick exited the cockpit, a look of concern and frustration etched upon his face.  As she followed her mother down to where Alex now stood, having decided to leave the men to get their charge from the belly of the helicopter, Kat saw the concern on all of their faces.  Approaching she looked up at Alex and questioned "What's  going on?"  Alex smiled down at her, resting her hand on the young girls shoulder she replied. "Christi and her Grandfather are going to be  staying with us until Christi gets better"
"What's wrong with her?" questioned Kat as she saw Nick pick the young girl up and carry her from the helicopter.  Alex sighed replying "We don't know Kat...  she just won't wake up".  No one said anything further as they followed Nick and his charge into the house.

Stood at the bay windows in the lounge, Derek looked out across San Francisco bay.  It had been 3 days since Tony and his granddaughter had arrived at Angel Island, and as yet there had been no change in the young girls condition.  Despite Rachel having called in some of her specialist friends from the hospital, no one had been able to offer an explanation of the girl's condition, or a possible remedy to the situation.  Sighing he turned to face the group assembled in the room "So... what do we do now?" he questioned, looking at Rachel.  She shrugged, and glanced across at Alex and Philip... neither of whom had any answer's either.  "Have the test's you carried out shown  anything, Philip?" questioned Derek, he all ready suspected the answer was not good by the expression upon the young priests face.  Philip sighed and shook his head  "Ever test I've been able to run have come back clean... as far as I can tell there is no supernatural force occupying or effecting Christi at this time... of course these tests aren't 100% accurate"
"And I haven't sensed anything" added Alex.

Derek again turned away, struggling with the decision to tell them about his visions... which he still did not fully understand himself.  Sighing he stated "I have experienced several visions since we first encountered Tony and his granddaughter".  Everyone in the room sat forward, awaiting further information... when it wasn't forth coming Rachel questioned    "What kind of visions?".  Derek stared out across the bay as he replied "Very disturbing visions... involving Christi and...." he stopped, turning to face them, a strange look of fear entering his eyes as he did.  "Derek what is  it?" questioned Alex concerned, she had never seen this level of fear within the Precepts eyes before and it scared her.  Looking away again Derek replied "Christi is being attacked by an evil force of a magnitude we have never experienced before... it has only one purpose, and that is... to kill Christi and....  Nick"
"NICK!" exclaimed Rachel stunned "What does Nick have to do with this?" she demanded.   "I don't know... all I know is that the evil causing Christi's condition will not be satisfied with just Christi... it wants Nick as well" he replied solemnly.  Stunned by this revelation, the others sat in silence, deep in thought about what they had just been told.

Stood in the doorway, Kat watched as Nick maintained a vigil at Christi's bedside.  She watched in silence as he gently brushed the girls hair away from her face, she saw the exhaustion and sorrow upon his face and longed to see him smile and to hear him laugh.  Silently she entered the room and stood at his side, "Nick, are you all right?" she questioned as she laid her hand upon his shoulder, and felt it sag under her touch.  He sighed, looking up at her, the faintest remnace of a smile coming to his face, but it never made it to his eyes. As she looking into his eyes she saw the pain and sorrow hidden deep within them.   "Nick, can I do anything to help?" she questioned
"Thanks Kat, but I don't think there is anything you can do" he replied, then  he added sadly "I don't think there's anything any of us can  do".

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    'Christi wonder lost within the darkness, the laughter the only thing that she  could hear.  Her heart ached for additional senses, but they where denied her...  only the laughter remain, haunting her ever moment.  Desperate and frightened she called  out  "Granddad... where are you?" but there was no response, she sank to her knees  and began to cry uncontrollably.'

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In the darkness of his room, Derek lay awake, unwilling to allow his body the sleep it so desperately needed.  It was in his sleep that Christi came to him.  Within his sleep, that he was forced to witness the violent death of his friend.  Laid around him upon the bed where a collection of journals, the journals of other Legacy members... some of which dated back over 200 years.  He lay studying them, desperately searching for something, anything that might help Christi and therefore help his friend.  He heard a gently knock on his door and looked up to see who it was, there in the doorway he saw Kat, her eyes all puffy and red from crying.  She stood for a moment looking at him, then ran across the room to his bedside, her tears resuming as she reached him.  He held her protectively within his arms "Kat, what is it?" he questioned as he gently soothed her.  She sobbed against his shoulder before replying "I had a  nightmare... a horrible nightmare"
"A nightmare... tell me about it" he held her tight, he feared that he all ready knew what the nightmare was about, the reality gripping him like a hand closing around his throat.  He knew that Kat's psychic abilities where still growing, hoped that she had no yet reached a level upon which she would experience visions, but as he listened to her description of her nightmare, he realised that she had.  As she finished her description she looked up at him "It was a vision... wasn't it?" she questioned.  He sighed unable to lie to her, he nodded and she looked at him in horror "We  have to do something... we can't let this happen... please Derek, save him... don't let him die" again she burst into tears, pressing her face into his shoulder.  Sighing Derek whispered "I won't Kat.... I won't let him die".  As he spoke he looked at the journals upon his bed.  'It has to be in here somewhere... it has to be'.

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As dawn approached on the sixth day, the physical toll Christi's condition was taking upon Nick and Tony was clearly evident.  Both men had dark circles under their eyes, and Nick was becoming short tempered.  As Kat joined them at the breakfast table she questioned "How Christi?"
"The same" replied Derek, glancing at the others gathered around the breakfast table.  "She's exactly the same as she has been for the last week.... so just stop asking!" snapped Nick
"NICK!" exclaimed Rachel.  However before she could say anything further a look of horror crossed Nicks face "Kat... I'm sorry" he said, his voice quivering with emotion  "I..." ashamed of himself, and angry for the pain he saw in Kat's eyes, pain he had caused.  He left the room, the sound of the front door slamming closed announcing his exit from the house.

Derek sighed, as he looked at the other occupants if the room.  Philip was standing up to go after his friend "Don't Philip, I think he needs to be alone" he stated.  The young priest looked at his precept for a moment, then reluctantly sat down again "Isn't there anything we  can do?" questioned Alex, heartbroken at the pain she had seen in the ex-SEAL's eyes.  Again Derek sighed, and regarded his friends "Nothing is going to help Nick, except Christi getting well.... so we must double our efforts to  help Christi" he stated.

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Nick ran through the grounds, the pain in Kat's eyes haunting him as he ran the tears that loomed in her eyes, but which she refused to allow to fall, obscuring his vision.  Until finally he came to a halt.  Stood on the pier looking out across the bay, he dropped to his knees, shaking from both the physical exertion of his hasty flight and from the emotional strain of the last week.  As he knelt there, he once again heard the terrifying screeching sound, he had heard at Tony's home, just minutes before Christi was attacked.  He looked up, fear now gripping him, quickly he jumped to his feet and began to run back towards the house.... the sound echoing in his ears as he came within sight of the house.  Suddenly, something struck him from behind.... he fell to the ground stunned.  Looking around he saw no signs of an attacker.  He started to stand but was again struck, this time however he saw his attacker.... he watched in horror as the image of Christi stood in the garden, in her hand she held the instrument of her next attack, a brick.  As he looked at her he was transfixed by her eyes, gone where her beautiful blue eyes, instead in there place where cold, black eyes... emotionless, empty.  Moments later the brick flew at him.  To stunned to react, he watched as it flew through the air towards him.  The brick hit him in the head and he fell to the ground unconscious.

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As Tony joined the others at the breakfast table, they could all hear a strange noise in the distance.  Immediately Tony jumped to his feet "Dear God, not again... CHRISTI!" he shouted as he ran from the room and started up the stairs to his granddaughter's room.  Stunned and confused the others sat there for a brief moment, then they too where running up the stairs into Christi's room.  As they entered they could hear Tony's gentle, emotion filled voice "Christi, dear Christi, thank god your all  right"
"Granddad, what happened... where are we?" comes a shaky and confused voice.  The Legacy members enter to find Tony hugging his granddaughter tightly, as he holds her he gently rocks back and forth, the emotional strain he has been under suddenly gone "It's OK Christi, your safe" he say's as he continues to rock her.  In the doorway, the four Legacy members look at each other in surprise.  Derek is the first to say anything   "Christi... I'm Derek Rayne, you remember we met before, at  your home?".  The young girl nods, as she is finally released from her grandfather's tight grasp.  "Can you  tell me anything about what has been happening to you?" continues Derek as he moves closer to her.  Christi looks from her grandfather to Derek then to the others stood in the doorway "I.... I don't  remember much" she replies, with some hesitation.  "Tell us what you do remember" Rachel says in an encouraging voice as she moves further into the room, and across to the girls bedside.  Christi takes a deep breath, her eyes falling upon Kat, who is stood between Philip and Alex "I don't know where I was, only that it was dark... and silent.  I couldn't see or hear anything, it seemed to be that  way forever, but eventually I found myself in a light area, in which was, what I  can only describe as a void.... it drew me in" she looks at the adults in the room, and a tear falls, running down her face "I don't remember anything after  that.... not until just now when I woke  up".  Derek smiles and tells Christi to rest, then he leaves the room, closely followed by his associates and Kat.   Tony stay's with his granddaughter.  He leads them back down stairs, and into his office.  Kat hesitates at the office door, unsure of whether she should follow or not.   Seeing her hesitation, Derek goes over to her and leads her into the room.  Once the office door is closed, Derek looks at the others concerned "What Christi has just described is the same thing, Kat described to me several days ago".  Rachel looks at the precept and her daughter confused, then looks at the others "Derek, what are you saying?" she questions confused.  "I had a vision mom" replies Kat, looking from Derek to her mother.  Rachel looks at Alex and Derek in a state of shock  "How long have you been having visions Kat?" she questions as she sits down in one of the chairs.  "It was my first proper vision.... honest mom!" replies Kat hastily.   "What do you mean proper... Kat?" questions Philip intrigued at this sudden turn of events.  Kat sighs and begins to explain "I've had little visions... small things like,     knowing when something was gonna happen.... nothing major, not until this anyway's."  As Kat speaks Derek feels drawn to the window, he stands with his back to the others, listening to the conversation, but his attention wonders from his associates to the window.  "I mean like, I'd known when there was gonna be a pop quiz at school...things like that" she continues.  "How long has this been going on?" questions Alex.  "About 4 months now" replies Kat astonishing everyone, including Derek, who looks away from the window to Kat "4 months?" he questions.  She nods, adding quickly "I didn't think anything about it at first.... I just thought it was deja-vu.   But it's been happening more often these last 3 weeks.... I was gonna tell you, honest mom".  Seeing Derek's distraction, Philip questions "Derek?", the precept turns to look at the young priest, as he does however he is suddenly gripped by a vision of his own.

'Nick jogging  through the grounds.  A figure stood on the docks,  suddenly dropping to his knees.  The     screeching sound filling the air, echoing  around inside his head.  Nick running, then falling to the ground.  Pain and  astonishment... then nothing but darkness'

Shaken by the vision, Derek falls back against the window frame "Derek?" questions Philip concerned, quickly at Derek's side and supporting him "I'm  all right" replies Derek.

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'Pain and darkness greet Nick as he slowly opens his eyes.  Sitting up he tries to get his bearings but can find no source of light to identify his surroundings by.  In the distance he can hear a voice, calling to him, slowly he gets to his feet.   "Nick.... please, help me Nick" he recognises the voice immediately and calls out "Christi... where are you?"
"Nick... Help me... its coming, it's coming back".  He can hear the fear in her voice and strains to ascertain from which direction her voice is coming from, but the sounds echo around him, preventing him from getting an idea of in which direction he should head.  "Christi, I'm coming... stay put, I'm coming to get you" he calls out as he turns in a circle, unsure of which way to go.  Now the only sound that can be heard, is the sound of Christi sobbing, and the tormented voice calling out to him "Hurry, please hurry Nick....  it's coming back, it's coming back!".'

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Nick groans as he returns to consciousness his head hurts and he can feel the warmth of blood slowly running down his face.  He tries to rise, but his sent crashing to the wet ground, by a wave of nausea.  In the recesses of his mind, he can still hear Christi's desperate cry for help intermixed with the shrieking sound that still swirls around him.  Out of no where a wind suddenly rises, swirling around him, whipping at his all ready battered and tired body.  Fighting back the nausea and resisting the wind that threatens to return him to the wet ground, he stumbles towards the house.  His vision blurred from what he believes to be a mild concussion.

Derek quickly recovers from the strain and shock of his vision "We have to find  Nick....  he's in danger" he states as he rises to his feet, some what unsteadily.  A look of terror crosses Kat's face as she recalls her own vision, she turns desperate eyes upon Derek, who looks away unable to reassure her of being able to keep the promise he made several nights before.  As they turned to leave Christi suddenly appears in the door "You are not going anywhere" she states.  Derek and the others exchange confused glances. "Christi?" questions Rachel confused as she approaches the young girl.  Suddenly Christi begins to hover above the ground, laughing hysterically "He is mine now" she states as she again vanishes and the doors slam closed.  Philip runs over to the doors and tries to open them but their locked.  Turning back to face the others he questions "What's going on Derek?"
"I don't know... but we have to help Nick" states Derek as he looks around the room for anything they can use to get the doors open.  Kat moves over to her mothers side and watches as both Derek and Philip try to force open the doors.

Staggering up the steps to the house, Nick hears Christi calling to him, he can hear the fear in her voice and tries to hurry, but his battered body refuses to obey his will and he collapses on the steps.

Inside Derek and Philip continue to try to open the door but to no avail.  "There has to  be some way of opening this door" states Derek as he looks around the room.  As he does he sees Kat stood at her mothers side, as strange look in her eyes "Kat?" he questions concerned, but the young girl doesn't answer.  Rachel and the others all look at Kat, "She's having a vision!" states Alex as she rushes to the young girls side.  As she touches Kat's hand, Alex finds herself being drawn into the vision.

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'Kat is stood on a precipice looking down, cautiously Alex approaches her not wanting to startle the young girl and perhaps cause her to fall over the edge.  As she approaches she calls to her in a gentle voice "Kat?" the young girl turns to face her, tears steaming down her face "Alex... there's so much pain... please make it stop, make the pain go away" she pleads.  Alex cautiously moves towards Kat, drawing her into a hug "Kat what is this place.... where are we ?" questions Alex as she looks around, drawing Kat away  from the edge.  Kat looks around confused, then looks at Alex again, sighing she replies "I don't know where we are Alex... all I know is that this place is full of pain".  Taking Kat's hand Alex leads her further away from the edge, as she does they both here a cry coming from the distance, they both recognises the voice and look at each other shocked. "NICK!" exclaims Kat as she pulls free of Alex and runs in the direction the cry came from.  Alex follows close behind, unsure of what they might find "Kat wait up, wait for me"  she calls as she sees her young friend running behind some rocks.'

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Nick groaned as he forced himself to his feet, he could still hear Christi calling to him, and her voice forced him on.  Wavering on the edge of losing consciousness again he continued towards the front door and towards the fear ridden voice that drove him on.  As he reached the door, his knees buckled under him, causing him to grab for the wall to steady himself, for a moment he stood leaning against the wall, until once again he felt strong enough to continue.  Pushing open the door he staggered inside.  As he entered he could see Christi stood at the door to the lounge, he stopped, his eyes wide at the sight before him "Christi?" he questioned confused.  She turned to face him a smile upon her face "Ahh.... I see you made it" she commented sarcastically as she moved away from the door and began to approach him "No matter, I have some new  friends to play with" at this she began to laugh, and Nick looked at her confused "Christi, what's going on ?" he demanded as he staggered towards her, his vision once again blurring.  From inside the lounge he could hear Derek's voice calling to him, "Nick... Nick!" but he was cut off by Christi as she shouted "YOU CAN'T  SAVE THEM NICK.... THEY BELONG TO ME NOW!".  Stunned Nick looked from the lounge door to Christi, then using what little reserves he had left he ran to the door.  Grabbing the door handles, suddenly he was thrown back by a charge, he lay for a moment on the floor stunned, as he did Christi came to stand over him, her eyes once again changing colour "Give up... you can not stop me" she stated as he sat up.  He looked at her for a moment, once again forcing himself to his feet, he staggered back over to the door and once again took a hold of the door handles.  The charge surged through his body but he refused to let go, he had to get the doors open, had to be sure that his friends where all right.  As the charge grew in strength, he cried out in pain, but still held onto the handles.  Finally as he thought he couldn't take any more the doors suddenly began to give, and after a few moments they flew open with such force that Nick was again thrown to the floor.  This time however he lay there unable to move as the last of the charge continued to surge through his body.

Derek and the others saw the doors open, and saw Nick hit the floor.  Immediately Philip and Derek ran from the room, Philip going to Nicks side as Derek stood between the demon Christi and their fallen friend.  Rachel remained at Alex and Kat's side, from in the room she could still see the convulsions of Nicks body as the charge went through him.  Philip knelt at Nicks side, and gently lifted his friends head onto his lap "Nick?" he questioned concerned by how pale Nick was, and by the convulsions that racked his friends body.  Slowly Nick opened his eyes too look at him, but it wasn't Nicks face he saw, it was that of Kat and Alex.

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'Kat ran round the rock formation and stopped, she could now see Nick laid on the ground, a strange blue glow surrounding his body.  As Alex joined her she looked at the woman with terrified eyes "What's happening to him ?" she questioned.  Alex didn't respond as she moved towards Nick, instead she called out to him "Nick..... Nick can you  hear me?"  She stopped a few feet away from him as he again cried out in agony  "Dear God, Nick what's happening to you?" she demanded  as he turned his head to look at her.  As his eyes fell upon them, they could see the pain and something else, desperation, held within them "Alex, get out of here... take Kat and get out" his voice was barely above a whisper as he spoke.  As he did, Alex saw what looked like bolts of lightening suddenly appear and surge through his body, causing him to again cry out in agony "GET... OUTTA... HERE, BEFORE... IT'S TOO LATE," he  shouted between bolts.  Alex and Kat stood transfixed to the spot watching as the lightening bolts jumped between his body and the blue glow that encased him.  "Nick we're not leaving,  not without you"     stated Kat as she ran towards him.  Nick saw her and with a desperate cry shouted "KAT, STAY BACK.... KEEP AWAY!", but she ignored him, continuing towards the strange glow that encased him, until finally    she stood at its perimeter.  Quickly Alex joined her, and before she could stop her, Kat reached out her hand towards the strange glow.  Alex grabbed her arm just as her hand touched the glow "Kat!" she exclaimed,  pulling the girls hand away "What on Earth where you thinking?" she questioned, her voice holding a mixture of anger and frustration.  Kat just pulled her arm away from her "We have to free him" she stated.  Alex nodded in agreement "OK, but I'm gonna be the one doing this not you.  Nick would never be able to forgive himself if anything happened to you"
"He'd never forgive himself if anything happened to you either"  comments Kat as she looks up at Alex.     Alex smiles down at her commenting "Well I don't intend to have anything happen to me".  With that Alex moves closer to the perimeter and reaches out her hand, as it draws near she can feel the hairs on her hand rise as they draw closer to the electrical charge. Suddenly one of the charges leaps out, hitting her hand and sending her crashing to the ground.   Immediately Kat is at her side "Alex... Alex are you  all right?" Slowly Alex sits up "Jesus that thing has   one hell of a kick" she comments as she slowly stands up.  Kat helps her to her feet and together they cautiously approach Nick again, who has now passed   out.  As they approached Alex once again felt the tingling of the electrical charge "Do you feel that?" she questioned glancing at     Kat "Feel what?" questioned Kat confused. Alex was confused and questioned "You can't feel the energy?".  Kat shakes her head in response.  As they stand at the perimeter again, Kat again reaches out her hand, this time however Alex did not stop her, she did however move herself into a position where she could catch Kat if anything happened. Alex watched as Kat slowly reached out her hand, she hesitated, glancing back at Alex as she drew near to the glowing field, but continued.  She held her breath as her fingers touched the energy field, awaiting the bolt of energy that had attacked Alex, but nothing happened.  Cautiously she pushed her hand further into the field, and towards Nicks motionless body, as her fingers penetrated the other side of the field, she suddenly felt something change, but instead of being struck by the energy bolt as she has expected, the field suddenly vanished giving her a clear path to Nicks side.  As soon as the field vanished Alex joined Kat at Nicks side and together that carefully turned him over, he opened his eyes to look at them, he was tired and dirty but they could see no obvious injuries. "Hey Nick... how do you feel?" questioned Alex as she raised his head onto her lap.  He looked up at her and grinned "Like a million volts".  Alex hits his arm, but smiles "Ouch... not fare" he protests grinning.'

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Derek glanced at Christi and could see her phasing in and out of reality.  As he turned to look at his friends still in the lounge he saw Alex and Kat where both smiling, he glanced back at Nick, but the pain was still in his young friends face.  Glancing at Philip both men, knew that they had to act, and act fast before Christi or what ever it was had the chance to attack them.  Gently lowering Nicks head back to the floor, Philip stood and joined Derek "What ya think?" he questioned in a whispered voice as he stood at Derek's side. The Precept glanced from Nick to Alex and Kat, "I think its  time we dealt with this situation" stated Derek as he started to move towards Christi.  She turned seeing his move, and raised her hand to attack.  As her fingers begin to glow, Derek and Philip look at each other.  "NOOOOOOO" comes a cry from behind them, all eyes turn to the source of the cry.

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'As they moved through the mountainous area, Alex and Kat try to support Nicks wait as he is still very weak. In the distance they can here sobbing and immediately Nick starts to pull free of their grasp     "Nick, what is it?" Questions Alex as he stumbles and she grabs his arm.  He looks at her for a moment, listening to the sobbing "That's Christi" he states as he again tries to pull free from Alex's grasp "Nick, wait.... it might not be Christi" states Kat as she runs to his side "It could be that thing.... it could be trying to trick you" she adds as she moves in front of him blocking his path.  He looks at them both for a moment, then reluctantly in nods agreement.

 As they approach the source of the sobbing, they cautiously approach. They can see a little girl sat sobbing, it appears to be Christi but Alex is taking no chances, she maintains a tight grip on Nicks arm,     preventing him from going to the young girl.  Suddenly Kat grabs Alex's arm "Stay here........ I'll go see if its really Christi" she states.  Nick looks at her "No Kat... I'll go" he states but Kat stands in front of him "No you won't... what ever this thing is it wants you... and were not going to let that happen!" she states angrily.'

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Derek and the others turn to see who cried out and are shocked to see two strangers stood before them, each looks at the other confused "Who are you?" questions Derek as he looks between the two strangers and Christi.  Suddenly a gasp is heard from the top of the stairs "Dear God!".  At the top of the stairs stand Tony Koontz, his eyes wide with shock "Annie... Christian... is it you?" he questions as he starts to descend the stairs.  The two strangers turn to look at him, a smile spreading across their faces as he approaches them.  "Its us dad" states Annie as she moves over to her father and touches his cheek, wiping away the tear that had fallen.

Confused Philip and Derek look at Tony "Who are they Tony?" questioned Derek.  Tony smiles and turns to look at them "They're Christi's parents.... Annie... my dear sweet Annie and her husband Christian" replies Tony.  Suddenly the demon growls and her fingers again begin to glow "Derek.... what out!" shouts Philip as a bolt shoots out from Christi's hand.  Before Derek can register the call of warning he is sent flying, landing hard against the wall.  He slumps to the floor dazed.  Sitting up he looks at Philip and the others and sees Annie and Christian move to stand before Christi, a strange white glow surrounding them.

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'Kat moves towards the sobbing girl, she can see the tears on Christi's face but doesn't trust her.  As she draws closer Christi looks up at her "Kat?" she questions between sobs, cautiously Kat moved closer "Christi is that you?" she questions.  As she reaches out to touch Christi, the girls eyes suddenly glow red and Kat jumps back, but the demon follows her, attacking her.  Nick pulls free of Alex before she realises what's going on and runs over to help Kat, as he grabs the demon, its form changes into its true form and Nick finds himself grappling with a 6ftmonster.  The demon hits the weakened Nick sending him crashing to the ground it reaches out its hand grasping him around the throat trying to squeeze the life from him.

Alex and Kat run to Nick, they grab the demon trying to pull it off of Nick before he suffocates. But it tosses them aside, its hand still clasped around Nicks neck.  Both look at each other in horror then    charge again, renewing their efforts to free Nick.  As they grab the demon this time it throws them aside again, but instead of landing on the soft dirt floor as they had before, they suddenly found them self being thrust back into the real world.'

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Rachel saw both Alex and Kat swaying and grabbed her daughter before she collapsed  "Kat... are you all right ?" she questioned concerned as she saw the tears streaming from Kat's eyes.  Then when she glanced at Alex she saw that she too had tears in here eyes "Alex what's happened.... what's wrong?" she demanded.  Alex just looked at her for a moment and stated "We lost Nick".

Philip hearing Alex's statement runs to Nicks side, he can see that his friends breathing has become very shallow "What do ya want?" He demands shouting at Christi, but the demon just laughs as the house is suddenly filled by a screeching noise and a strong wind blows throughout the house.  "I have what I want" it states as a low gasp is heard from Nick, and he stops breathing.  Immediately Philip knees at Nick side and feels for a pulse, but can find nothing.  His anger takes over and he climbs to his feet, and screams "NOOOOOOOOO" and runs at the demon, but he is thrown back by an invisible force.  Rachel, Kat and Alex run out into the corridor and are immediately at their friends sides, helping both men to their feet "Philip, Derek are you all right?" questions Rachel anxiously as her eyes are drawn to Nicks dead body.

Annie and Christian move to either side of the demon encircling it with the white glow that is now spreading to fill the whole corridor "We will not let you take them" they state as they join hands around the demon in the form of their daughter. "The innocence within them is not yours to control it belongs to another" they state as the glow that encircles them suddenly becomes a blinding light and the Legacy members are forced to cover their eyes.  Unable to see anything all they can hear is the howling winds that whip around them.  Suddenly a loud scream is heard, and the light vanishes.  As they open their eyes and look around, they can see no sign of the demon Christi or of Annie and Christian.  Philip runs to Nicks side again, but his young friend hasn't moved, he reaches down to feel for a pulse again.  For a few tense moments the others watch him closely, then a slight smile spreads across his face and he looks up at the sky and in a low voice says "Thank you father".  As he looks at them a smile has spread across his face and he states "He's alive... weak but alive".

From upstairs Christi's voice is heard calling for her grandfather.  Tony runs to her, he finds her in her bed as he had left her.  She looks at him confused for a moment and questions "Grand Dad... where am I?".  He smiles at her and sits on the bed next to her.

Downstairs Derek and Philip carry Nick into the lounge and place him onto the couch, where Rachel can examine him.  As she finishes her examination of him she sighs and looks up to see Tony carrying Christi into the room "How is she?" she questions "She's fine... no worse for ware, what about Nick... is he OK?" questions Tony concerned as he puts Christi down on one of the chairs.  Rachel looks at Derek and says "He's gonna be fine, after a few days bed rest... no serious injuries, he's mainly exhausted".  Derek nods, his eyes never leaving his young friend.

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As Nick lays in his bed, totally bored he can hear raised voices "Not true.... I've  known him longer than you" comes Kat's voice from outside the door.  Nick sits up in bed wondering what is going on, then the door to his room flies open and Kat and Christi come in "Nick.... tell her she's wrong!" insists Kat as she jumps onto his bed and sits next to him, and while he's not looking she sticks out her tongue at Christi.  Nick looks at them both confused "Wrong about what?" he questions.  But before either can answer Alex comes running into the room "Christi, Kat you know  Nick need to rest!" she exclaims.  Both girls look at each other and sigh, then they look at Nick hopefully "Its OK Alex... I'm bored they can stay"
"No they can't, now scat both of you" states Alex as she points to the door, reluctantly both girls start to leave. "Later Nick" calls back Christi as she leave, but before Kat leaves she runs back and kisses Nick on the cheek "Later" she calls back before running out of the room.  Nick sits in his bed looking at Alex confused "What  was that all about?" he questions his hand on his cheek where Kat kissed him.  Alex grins and sits down on the bed "Well... they have been arguing all morning about which of them you love".  Nick looks at her confused, then Alex adds "And  which one of them you are going to marry".  A look of shock crosses Nicks face "What?" he questions his eyes going back to the door "Hey we did warn you about Kat... guess you've impressed Christi as well" comments Alex with a grin as Nick lays back down on the bed. "Great... just great!" he comments as he pulls the blankets up over his head. "Why me... why me?" he questions as Alex gets up laughing and leaves the room.